Lower body article of apparel having dynamic vent-slit structure

ABSTRACT

A dynamic vent-slit structure for a lower body article of apparel is provided. The article includes a pelvic portion for covering a pelvic area of a wearer when the article is in an as-worn position, and a plurality of slits in a repeating fashion, wherein a spacing between two adjacent slits in linear alignment is less than a length of a slit in non-linear alignment with the two slits and that is offset from the two slits such that the slit in non-linear alignment overlies the spacing between the slits in linear alignment, and the slit in non-linear alignment is parallel to the slits in linear alignment. The slits may be positioned in one or more groupings or aligned in different directions to open in response to different directions of stretch or movement, to provide dynamic or motion activated venting in the article.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related by subject matter to commonly assigned andconcurrently filed U.S. application Nos. (not yet assigned)(NIKE.222022, titled “Method of Manufacturing an Article of ApparelHaving Dynamic Vent-Slits;” and NIKE.222023, titled “Shirt HavingDynamic Vent-Slit Structure”), which are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to vent-slits. More specifically, thepresent disclosure relates to vent-slits incorporated into an article ofapparel to provide dynamic ventilation for the article.

BACKGROUND

In certain circumstances, it is desirable to have an article of apparelwith variable structural and performance characteristics. For example,certain apparel articles benefit from having dynamic permeability and/oradjustable ventilation. In particular, athletic apparel, commonly knownas “active wear,” requires breathability to maintain wearer comfort. Insuch apparel, poor ventilation, ventilation in improper areas of thearticle, and limited airflow results in a build-up of perspiration andhumidity inside the article and adjacent to the wearer. Some articles ofapparel feature vent structures to reduce these issues. These existingvent structures have numerous disadvantages, including, for example,inconsistent opening, puckering, and/or flattening of the structureswhen the article is stretched, as well as opening of the vent structuresat the wrong time. As a result, a new dynamic vent-slit structure thatopens uniformly and consistently, and that provides dynamic ventilationfor a wearer in response to specific movements and directions ofstretch, is needed.

BRIEF SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a section of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the detaileddescription section of this disclosure. This summary is not intended toidentify key features or essential features of the claimed subjectmatter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in isolation fordetermining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The scope of theinvention is defined by the claims.

In general, the vent-slits described herein provide dynamic and targetedventilation for specific areas of an article of apparel. The vent-slitsmay be strategically placed in areas of the article that are exposed tothe greatest amounts of heat, humidity, and perspiration, and may beconfigured, arranged, or integrated to provide motion activated venting.In this regard, the slits open in response to specific forces,directions of stretch, or movements by a wearer of the article, in orderto improve ventilation of the article. Moreover, the vent-slitsdescribed herein provide a consistent and uniform opening to provideenhanced ventilation.

At a high level, aspects described herein relate to an article ofapparel having dynamic vent-slits. The slits may be located on variousparts of the article in one or more groupings, the slits in eachgrouping aligned in the same direction and arranged in a repeatingpattern. The pattern may include two slits in linear alignment separatedby a spacing, and a slit in non-linear alignment with the two slits, theslit in non-linear alignment being longer than the spacing between thetwo slits in linear alignment. The slit in non-linear alignment may beoffset from the slits in linear alignment such that the slit innon-linear alignment overlies the spacing between the slits in linearalignment, the slit in non-linear alignment being parallel to the slitsin linear alignment. As used throughout this disclosure, the term“overlies” or “overlays” in relation to the slits in a slit patternshall mean that a slit in a non-linear and parallel alignment with twoslits in linear alignment is positioned such that its long axis isspaced apart from and is in parallel with the space between the twoslits in linear alignment. The term “overlies” or “overlays” shall notmean that the slit in non-linear alignment intersects with or crossesover the two slits in linear alignment.

This pattern provides an arrangement of slits that contains no linearpath through the pattern perpendicular to the long-axis orientation ofthe slits. As a result, a stretch force applied perpendicular to thelong axis of the slits travels in a zig-zag pattern through the articleinto which the slits are integrated. This helps to distribute thestretch force uniformly across the slit pattern as the stretch forcetravels across the article into which the slits are integrated, thusopening the slits evenly. This distribution of force is bestaccomplished when a spacing between the slits in linear alignment isshorter than the length of the slit positioned in non-linear alignmentand overlying the spacing between the slits in linear alignment. Thisrepeating pattern of slits may be positioned in different areas of thearticle, and may be formed to have varying angles, cross-sectionallayouts, and orientations on the article to allow the slits to open inresponse to the article being stretched in different directions.

The vent-slits may be incorporated into various upper and lower bodyarticles of apparel, including but not limited to jackets, shirts,pullovers, shorts, pants, capris, ¾ pants, and the like. Such apparelmay be used for a variety of different athletic activities, including,but not limited to, running, basketball, athletic training, globalfootball (soccer), tennis, golf, and the like. The slits may be arcshaped, half-circle shaped, or the like, such that in the open position,the slits provide directionality to the venting. The slits may alsosimply be straight or boxed.

In one aspect, a lower body article of apparel is provided. The articlecomprises a pelvic portion for covering a pelvic area of a wearer whenthe article is in an as-worn position, the pelvic portion having a waistopening, left and right leg portions extending outward from the pelvicportion opposite the waist opening, the left and right leg portionshaving respective left and right leg openings, the left and right legportions covering at least a portion of respective left and right legsof the wearer, and a plurality of slits in a repeating fashion, whereina spacing between two adjacent slits in linear alignment is less than alength of a slit in non-linear alignment with the two slits and that isoffset from the two slits such that the slit in non-linear alignmentoverlies the spacing between the slits in linear alignment, and the slitin non-linear alignment is parallel to the slits in linear alignment.

In another aspect, a vented lower body article of apparel is provided.The article comprises a pelvic portion for covering a pelvic area of awearer when the article is in an as-worn position, the pelvic portionhaving a waist opening, left and right leg portions extending outwardfrom the pelvic portion opposite the waist opening, the left and rightleg portions having respective left and right leg openings, the left andright leg portions covering at least a portion of respective left andright legs of the wearer, a plurality of slits oriented substantiallyparallel to each other, wherein at least two of the plurality of slitsare in linear alignment, wherein a spacing between the at least twoslits is less than a length of a slit positioned adjacent to the atleast two slits and in non-linear alignment with respect to the at leasttwo slits, and wherein the slits are positioned in two or more distinctgroupings on the article, the slits within each grouping aligned in thesame direction.

In another aspect, a modified lower body article of apparel is provided.The article comprises a pelvic portion for covering a pelvic area of awearer when the article is in an as-worn position, the pelvic portionhaving a waist opening, left and right leg portions extending outwardfrom the pelvic portion opposite the waist opening, the left and rightleg portions having respective left and right leg openings, the left andright leg portions covering at least a portion of respective left andright legs of the wearer, a plurality of slits forming a plurality ofcolumns in parallel configuration, wherein a spacing between two slitsin linear alignment in a first column is less than a length of a slitpositioned in an adjacent second column, wherein the spacing in thefirst column is aligned at least partially with the slit positioned inthe adjacent second column, and wherein when the article is stretchedperpendicular to the orientation of the slits, the slits open to providea direct path through the article to a body of the wearer.

Aspects described herein may feature different configurations,arrangements, and/or alignments of the slits, and are not limited to theexamples provided in this disclosure. The term “fabric” as used in thisapplication refers to any cloth, textile, substrate, synthetic material,natural material, knit material, woven or stretch-woven material, orother material, or any combination thereof, used to form an article ofapparel and/or integrated into an article of apparel. The term “slit” or“vent-slit” as used in this application means any structure incorporatedinto an article of apparel that is capable of dynamically opening andclosing to provide increased air flow through the article, regardless ofthe shape or the structure of the slit, or the layers incorporated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described in detail herein with reference tothe attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a close-up view of a plurality of vent-slits arranged ina repeating pattern on a fabric, in accordance with an aspect herein;

FIG. 2 depicts a first exemplary vent-slit structure formed in a fabricincorporated into an article of apparel, in accordance with an aspect ofherein;

FIG. 3 depicts a close-up of a portion of the vent-slit structure shownin FIG. 2, with slits in a partially open configuration, in accordancewith an aspect herein;

FIG. 4A depicts a close-up of the portion of the vent-slit structureshown in FIG. 2, with slits in an open configuration, in accordance withan aspect herein;

FIG. 4B depicts an angled perspective view of the fabric incorporatingthe vent-slit structure shown in FIG. 4A, showing a three-dimensionalshape formed by the slits when the slits are in the open configuration,in accordance with an aspect herein;

FIG. 5A depicts a close-up of a portion of the vent-slit structure shownin FIG. 2, showing a stretch force distributing across a repeatingpattern of slits, in accordance with an aspect herein;

FIG. 5B depicts a selection of multiple shapes or styles of vent-slitswhich can be incorporated into a fabric used to form at least part of anarticle of apparel, in accordance with an aspect herein;

FIG. 6 depicts a close-up view of a second exemplary vent-slit structurehaving a substantially closed configuration with slits having first andsecond sides separated by a small gap, in accordance with an aspectherein;

FIG. 7 depicts the vent-slit structure shown in FIG. 6 with the slits inan open configuration, in accordance with an aspect herein;

FIG. 8 depicts a front view of a shirt incorporating the vent-slitpattern shown in FIG. 1, with slits in a closed configuration, inaccordance with an aspect herein;

FIG. 9 depicts a rear view of the shirt shown in FIG. 8, with the slitsin a closed configuration, in accordance with an aspect herein;

FIG. 10 depicts a front view of the shirt shown in FIG. 8, with theslits in an open configuration, in accordance with an aspect herein;

FIG. 11 depicts a rear view of the shirt shown in FIG. 8, with the slitsin an open configuration, in accordance with an aspect herein;

FIG. 12 depicts a front view of a lower-body article incorporating thevent-slit pattern shown in FIG. 1, with slits in a closed configuration,in accordance with an aspect herein;

FIG. 13 depicts a rear view of the lower-body article shown in FIG. 12,with the slits in a closed configuration, in accordance with an aspectherein;

FIG. 14 depicts a front view of the lower-body article shown in FIG. 12,with the slits in an open configuration, in accordance with an aspectherein;

FIG. 15 depicts a rear view of the lower-body article shown in FIG. 12,with the slits in an open configuration, in accordance with an aspectherein;

FIG. 16 depicts a flow chart of a first exemplary method ofmanufacturing an article of apparel incorporating a vent-slit structure,in accordance with an aspect herein;

FIG. 17 depicts a flow chart of a second exemplary method ofmanufacturing an article of apparel incorporating a vent-slit structure,in accordance with an aspect herein; and

FIG. 18 depicts a flow chart of a third exemplary method ofmanufacturing an article of apparel incorporating a vent-slit structure,in accordance with an aspect herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of the present invention is described withspecificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, thedescription itself is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.Rather, the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other waysto include different elements, features, components, steps, and/orcombinations of steps similar to the ones described in this disclosure,and in conjunction with other present and/or future technologies.

In a broad aspect, an article of apparel incorporating a plurality ofdynamic vent-slits in a repeating pattern is provided. Generally, thearticle may be formed from one or more fabrics each having a firstsurface and an opposite second surface. The article may include anintegrated single-layer or multi-layer fabric formed into the article,single-layer fabrics joined together at one or more seams to form thearticle, or multi-layer fabrics joined together at one or more seams toform the article. In each of these cases, the slits may be formedthrough the first and the second surfaces of each of the fabric layers,in order to provide direct ventilation through the fabric for the wearerof the article. The slits may be arranged in one or more groupings onthe article, each grouping containing the repeating pattern of slitsaligned in the same direction, with the alignment of the slits in eachgrouping being the same or different as other groupings formed on thearticle.

The slits may also be formed in an article layer with sandwiching orintervening layers at least partially covering the slits. An articlewith the cooling slits may be formed with a base layer or other layer(or layers) positioned between the article and the wearer's skin. Thebase layer may be attached to the article (e.g., a piece of fabric, suchas a meshed fabric, may be affixed to the article beneath the slits) ormay be part of a separate under layer of the article, such as anundershirt or shorts, etc. Use of such under layers may also function toprovide a color reveal effect during motion, where opening of the slitsreveals the colored under layer, providing a dynamic color presentationon the article.

In exemplary aspects, the longitudinal axis of the slits may be alignedwith a horizontal axis, a vertical axis, or the slits may be skewed fromthe vertical (or horizontal) axis of the article. Any and all suchaspects, and any combination thereof, are contemplated as being withinthe scope herein. Moreover, the density of the slits may change incross-sectional area or width of the pattern (e.g., increasing ordecreasing the concentration of slits) as it extends across or aroundportions of the article. The slits may form an opening through thearticle such that no intermediate or surrounding layers occlude the slitopenings in order to provide maximum airflow and ventilation for thewearer. In other aspects, additional layers may be incorporated between,around, and/or over or under layers into which the slits areincorporated, to provide a layered aspect to the material. Theadditional layers may include a different color of fabric so that whenthe slits are opened, at least a portion of the colored fabric may berevealed, providing a dynamic color presentation. In this aspect, thecolored layers may be formed around or between the slit layer, such asin an under layer between the slit layer and a wearer's skin, and inaspects, the slit layer and the colored layers may include aligned slitsso that a direct path through the slit fabric and the colored fabric isformed when the fabric is stretched perpendicular to the long-axis ofthe slits.

The angle of the slits with respect to a horizontal or vertical axis maybe selected or optimized to take advantage of stretching forces likelyto be applied to a particular portion of an article of apparel intowhich the slits are integrated. Multiple angle ranges may be used withinthe same article, or within the same grouping of slits in an article.The angles of the slits is determined by the stretching or movementforces applied to the article, which are specific to different parts ofthe body having different degrees of movement and different ranges ofmotion. For example, the long axis of any slit incorporated into thearticle may be aligned or angled perpendicular to an expected directionof movement of a shoulder, elbow, knee, wrist, ankle, torso, or neckarea. In one exemplary slit arrangement, a shirt, pullover, or jacketincludes one or more groupings of slits or slit patterns around theshoulder that are aligned at a 11-12 degree angle from a horizontal orvertical axis of the article to open the slits in response to shouldermovement. In another aspect, a short, pant, or lower body article mayinclude slits proximate a pelvic portion of the article that are alignedat approximately a 9 degree angle from a horizontal or vertical axis ofthe article and extend across the pelvic portion of the article.However, any suitable angle may be used for a specific area depending onthe expected movement characteristics (e.g., slits may be angled in theinclusive range of 0-360 degrees from a vertical or horizontal axis ofthe article in any area of the article). Additionally, in another aspectof an upper or lower body article, the slits may be positioned on anelbow area or a knee area of the article, respectively, and aligned toopen in response to the direction of movement of the wearers arm orknee. In this example, the slits may be aligned perpendicular to themovement of the joint.

The basic, repeating slit pattern includes two slits in linear alignmentseparated by a spacing, and a slit in a non-linear alignment that isparallel to the slits in linear alignment and that is longer than thespacing, the slit in non-linear alignment overlying the spacing betweenthe slits in linear alignment. When this repeating pattern of slits isincorporated into a fabric, and the fabric is stretched perpendicular tothe long-axis of the slits, the slits open uniformly, forming raised, orthree-dimensional openings in the fabric. In other words, a forceapplied perpendicular to the orientation or long-axis of the slitsfollows a non-linear path through the slits when traveling through thefabric into which the slits are incorporated. As a result, azig-zagging, or circumventing, force path results around the slits,opening the slits uniformly and consistently.

In an exemplary aspect, the slits may be arranged into columns, thecolumns formed from the repeating pattern of slits extended orduplicated. “Column” as used throughout this disclosure refers to avertical linear alignment of multiple slits with respect to the slits'longitudinal axis (see FIG. 2). To put it another way, a “column” refersto a series of aligned slits where the longitudinal axes of each slit inthe column is vertically aligned. Moreover, the slits in a first columnmay be offset from slits in a second adjacent column and positioned suchthat the slits in the second column generally overlie the spacingbetween the slits in the first column. This reduces the formation of alinear path through the columns in a direction perpendicular to thelong-axis of the slits. As such, when the fabric is stretchedperpendicular to the long-axis of the slits (e.g., pulled apart), thestretch force zig-zags around the slits, weaving its way through thecolumns, opening the slits in the columns together, and uniformly.

This repeating pattern of slits may be used to impart mechanical stretchto woven fabrics, which usually do not have stretch characteristicsunless another material, such as spandex, is incorporated. In thisregard, the slit structure described herein can be used on natural orsynthetic materials, and/or any woven fabric, knit fabric, or any typeof composite material (e.g., knit faces with foam or mesh in between,neoprene, laminated knit or woven materials or composites, thermoplasticpolymers, durable water repellent coated materials, etc.). Theorientation, size, and/or arrangement of the slits may vary depending onthe desired function or desired performance characteristics of thearticle. The slits in linear alignment in the slit pattern may be spacedapart a predefined amount, the predefined amount being uniform amongstall slits in a grouping. The slits may be large or small, tightlypatterned, and/or scattered into different sections of the article. Theslits may also be angled differently on different portions of thearticle to open in response to different directions of stretch that maybe imposed on these different portions. In exemplary aspects, the slitsmay be configured to open due to fastening together (e.g., zipping up)portions of a shirt, jacket, pant, and/or other article of apparel, orconfigured to open in response to movement by a wearer.

The spacing of the slits in the repeating pattern, both in the linearorientation and in the non-linear orientation, is relatively close toallow a force applied perpendicular to the slits to distribute uniformlythroughout the slit pattern without bypassing some of the slits in thepattern. In this regard, in the repeating slit pattern, as a spacingbetween two slits in linear alignment along a long axis of the two slitsincreases, and/or as a separation between the two slits and a slit inparallel with the two slits and overlying a spacing between the twoslits increases, the distribution of force throughout the slit patternis less uniform, and a stretch force applied perpendicular to the slitsdoes not open the slits as evenly. In this regard, an exemplary ratio ofslit length to spacing length is 2:1, or rather, the slits areapproximately twice the length of the spacing between the slits inlinear alignment. An exemplary ratio of slit length to spacing betweenslits in non-linear alignment is 2:1, or rather, the slits areapproximately twice the length of the distance between adjacent slits inparallel, non-linear alignment. This ratio provides a compactarrangement of the slits that allows uniform opening of the slitswithout comprising the structural integrity of an article.

The plurality of slits may be arranged into different groupings, witheach grouping including a repeating pattern of slits aligned in the samedirection. The arrangement of the slits into different groupings allowsthe article to obtain ventilation in different areas of the article whenpulled or stretched in different directions. By way of example, a firstgrouping of parallel columns may be located on a first part of thearticle, the slits in the first grouping of parallel columns arranged toopen in response to a first stretch direction. A second grouping ofparallel columns may be located on a second part of the article, theslits in the second grouping of parallel columns arranged to open inresponse to a second stretch direction. In aspects, the first stretchdirection may be the same as the second stretch direction, or the firststretch direction may be different from the second stretch direction.Any and all such aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated asbeing within the scope herein. As a result, the article featuresmultiple dynamic ventilation zones that open evenly to provide maximumventilation to the wearer.

The structure of each slit may include a first side and a second side.In an exemplary aspect, when the slits are in a closed configuration,the first side and the second side are together, or rather, the firstside lies adjacent to the second such that the sides are touching in aresting state and there is minimal to no space between the first andsecond sides of the slits. When a stretch force is applied perpendicularto the long-axis of the slits, at least two sets of movements occur. Thefirst movement is along an axis that is parallel to the fabric surfaceand occurs when the first side and the second side move away from eachother in opposite directions along this axis. The second movement isalong an axis that is perpendicular to the fabric surface. With thismovement, the approximate midpoints of each side of the slit moveperpendicular to the fabric surface in response to the stretch force.The result of both of these movements is the formation of athree-dimensional opening through the fabric forming at least a part ofthe article. In other words, when a stretch force is appliedperpendicular to the long axis of the slits, the sides of the slits arepulled apart and bow outward forming an oblong or ellipse-like openingthrough the fabric, allowing ventilation between the inside and theoutside of the article. The result of these movements is that the slitsmay act much like a sail on a sailing boat helping to catch any wind andchannel it into the vent, thereby helping to cool the wearer. In anotherexemplary aspect, the slits may be structured such that in a closedconfiguration, or resting state, there is a small gap between the firstside and the second side, so that a small opening remains to providecontinuous ventilation through the fabric of the article. The structureof the slits may be varied, e.g., to achieve different gapconfigurations during different conditions based on a desiredperformance characteristic.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a close-up view of a repeating vent-slitpattern 100 on a portion of material or fabric is shown, in accordancewith an aspect herein. The repeating pattern 100 includes a plurality ofslits 136, 138 that have a length 114. Although the length of the slits136, 138 in the pattern 100 is shown to be approximately the same acrossall of the slits, in various aspects, the slits may not be exactly equalin length (e.g., may have varied lengths throughout the slit pattern).The pattern 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes two slits 136 in linearalignment, or rather, oriented end-to-end along a longitudinal axis ofthe slits 136, the slits 136 separated by a spacing 131 between ends ofthe slits 136. In various aspects, the slit spacings may be the same orvaried. The pattern 100 further includes a slit 138 that is parallelwith the slits 136 and in non-linear alignment with the slits 136 (i.e.,not positioned along the linear axis of the slits 136, but rather,across from the slits 136 along a parallel axis that is spaced apartfrom the axis of the slits 136), and positioned across from the spacing131. In FIG. 1, each end of the slit 138 extends beyond each end of thespacing 131 so that there is no linear path through all three slits 136,138 perpendicular to the orientation of the slits 136, 138 withoutfollowing a circumventing path (this is one exemplary arrangement,different sizes, positions, and lengths between the end-points of theslits and the spacings are possible). In FIG. 1, the length 114 of theslits 136, 138 is greater than the length of the spacing 131, and thespacing 134, or rather, the separation between parallel and non-linearlyaligned slits 136 and 138 along an axis orthogonal to the long axis ofthe slits 136, 138, is less than the length 114 of the slits 136, 138.This is but one exemplary size and spacing arrangement, and others maybe used, including, for example, having the ends of the non-linearlyslit and the corresponding spacing between linearly aligned slitsaligned end-to-end.

In FIG. 1, the length of the slits 136, 138 is approximately twice thelength of the spacing 131. This repeating pattern 100 reduces theability of a stretch force applied perpendicular to the long axis of theslits 136, 138 to travel in a linear path across the fabric. Instead,the stretch force applied perpendicular to the long-axis of the slits136, 138 follows a non-linear, circumventing path that zig-zags aroundthe slits 136, 138, distributing the stretch force evenly, which opensthe slits uniformly and consistently for ventilation. Regarding slitspacing, in aspects, the spacing 134 may be in the inclusive range of0.25-2 cm or 0.25-1 cm, the length of the slits 136 may be an inclusiverange of 0.5-2 cm, for example (anything larger may be too big toprevent the slits from hanging open or flapping), and the length ofspacing 131 may be greater than zero but less than the length of theslits 136.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a vent-slit structure 200 incorporated into anarticle of apparel is shown, in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention. In FIG. 2, a plurality of vent-slits 108 are incorporatedinto a fabric 102, forming a plurality of dynamic vent-slit structures.The fabric 102 has a first surface 104 and an opposite second surface106. In aspects, the first surface 104 may comprise an external-facingsurface of the article of apparel and the second surface 106 maycomprise a skin-facing surface of the article of apparel. The slits 108may be integrated into the fabric 102 such that they are configured toprovide ventilation directly from skin of wearer to an externalenvironment. Accordingly, in FIG. 2, the slits 108 are shown extendingentirely through the first surface 104 and the second surface 106 of thefabric 102.

The slits 108 each include a first end 110, a second end 112, and afirst length 114. The slits 108 are aligned into parallel columns 124with each column 124 being oriented along the long axis of the slits108. Each column 124 may comprise at least two slits, such as slits 136,in linear alignment, which are shown oriented vertically in FIG. 2. Theslits 108 in each of the columns are the same length 114 and the slits108 in linear alignment in each of the columns 124 are separated byequal spacings 132. Slits offset from each other in parallelconfiguration, such as, for example, slit 136 and slit 138, which are infirst and second columns, are separated by a column spacing 134. Theslits 108 in the structure 200 include the repeating pattern 100 asdepicted in FIG. 1. The repeating pattern 100 includes two slits 136 inlinear alignment separated by a spacing 131, and a slit 138 innon-linear alignment with the two slits 136 and positioned adjacent tothe spacing 131 such that the slit 138 is aligned in parallelconfiguration with the entire length of the spacing 131. By repeatingthe pattern 100, the vertical position of the slits 108 in adjacentcolumns 124 is staggered, or offset. As a result, a force appliedperpendicular to the long-axis of the slits 108 distributes evenlyacross the slits 108, opening the slits 108 uniformly and consistently.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a close-up of a portion of the vent-slitstructure 200 depicted in FIG. 2, with a force beginning to be appliedto the fabric, is shown, in accordance with an aspect herein. As shownin FIG. 3, the slits 108 are incorporated into at least a portion of thefabric 102 to form the vent-slit structure 200. In FIG. 3, a stretchforce 116 is applied to the fabric 102, the stretch force 116 pullingthe fabric 102 perpendicular to the first length 114 of the slits 108 sothat the slits 108 begin to open. Although a stretch force is shownbeing applied in opposite directions relative to the fabric 102, thestretch force may also be applied in a single direction relative to thefabric 102. As described in relation FIG. 2, all of the slits 108 arealigned in the same direction so that the stretching force 116 opens theslits 108 together. When the slits 108 are in the configuration 122shown in FIG. 3, each slit 108 forms an opening through the fabric.

Referring now to FIG. 4A, a close-up of the portion of the vent-slitstructure 200 depicted in FIG. 2, with the slits in a substantially openconfiguration, is shown, in accordance with an aspect herein. In FIG.4A, the slits 108 are in an open configuration 123. In this regard, theforce 116 applied perpendicular to the long-axis of the slits 108 hasbeen distributed evenly throughout the slit structure 200, opening theslits 108 evenly, permitting ventilation through the fabric 102 intowhich the slits 108 are incorporated.

Referring now to FIG. 4B, an angled perspective view of the portion ofthe vent-slit structure 200 shown in FIG. 4A is shown, in accordancewith an aspect herein. FIG. 4B depicts how the staggered nature of theslits 108 uniformly distributes the stretch force 116 evenly across theslits 108 to open the slits 108 together. Additionally, as the slits 108are pulled open in a direction parallel to the fabric surface, thestaggered nature of the slits 108 causes the stretch force 116 to openthe vent slits 108 in a way that moves sides 144, 146 of the slits 108perpendicularly outward from a surface plane of the fabric 102,providing a three-dimensional aspect to the opening 123. Moreparticularly, the approximate mid-point of the slits 108 moves thegreatest distance perpendicularly outward from the surface planecontributing to the three-dimensional shape of the vent slit 108 in theopen configuration. In this regard, the raised or elevated nature of theslits 108 in an open configuration 123 helps to channel or funnel airinto and out of the fabric 102, enhancing ventilation.

Referring now to FIG. 5A, a close-up of the vent-slit structure 200depicted in FIG. 2, with a stretch force 116 distributed across thevent-slits, is shown, in accordance with an aspect herein. In FIG. 5A,the spacing 132 between slits in each column 124 is equal, the spacing132 being shorter than the length 114 of each slit 108. For example, thespacing 132 between linearly aligned slits in each column 124 may behalf the length 114 of the slits 108 in the columns 124. Additionally,numerous slits, such as slit 120, may be perpendicularly offset fromspacings in adjacent columns such that spacings and adjacent,non-linearly aligned slits in the columns are across from each other. Asshown in FIG. 5A, the stretch force 116 is applied perpendicular to thelong-axis of the slits 108, and follows a circumventing or zig-zaggingpath 128 through and around the slits 108, to distribute the stretchforce 116 evenly across the slits 108.

Referring now to FIG. 5B, a non-limiting selection 500 of shapes orstyles of vent-slits which can be incorporated into a fabric used toform at least part of an article of apparel is shown, in accordance withan aspect herein. In FIG. 5B, two different slit types are shownincorporated into a fabric 102, an arc shaped slit 109, and a half moonshaped slit 111. In the open position, such slits 109, 111 may form adome or crescent shape to provide directional venting, which may beutilized to vent heat, air, and perspiration in specific directions outof an article. These are exemplary slit variations, other widths, sizes,angles, shapes, or combinations of shapes may be used, and theseexemplary slits 109, 111 may be used together, or separate or othervariations may simply be used.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a close-up view of an alternative vent-slitstructure 600, with a gap between the slits when the slits are in aresting state, is depicted, in accordance with an aspect herein. In FIG.6, a plurality of slits 108 are provided, with the slits 108 arrangedinto parallel columns 124. Each slit 108 further includes a first side144 and a second side 146, the first and second sides 144, 146 proximateto each other when the slits 108 are in a resting state 120, as shown inFIG. 6. In the resting state 120, there is a small gap 126 between thefirst and second sides 144, 146 of the slits 108 that is configured toprovide continuous permeability to the article of apparel. The size andshape of the gap 126 may be varied depending on the amount of continuouspermeability that is desired in an article.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a close-up view of the vent-slit structure 600depicted in FIG. 6, with the first and second walls in an open position,is shown, in accordance with an aspect herein. In FIG. 7, a stretchforce 116 is applied to the article perpendicular to the long-axis ofthe slits 108, or rather, perpendicular to the orientation of thelong-axis first length 114 of the slits 108. The stretch force 116spreads the first wall 144 and the second wall 146 of the slits 108apart along an axis that is parallel to the face of the fabric and alongan axis that is perpendicular to the face of the fabric. As such, theslit 108 goes from a resting state 120 to a substantially open state123, which is shown in FIG. 7. Once again, the slits 108 in differentcolumns 124 are staggered vertically and are separated by an equalspacing 132 that is shorter than the long axis first length 114 of theslits 108.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-11, an article of apparel for an upper torso inthe form of a shirt 800 having dynamic vent-slits incorporated into theshirt 800 is shown, in accordance with an aspect herein. The shirt 800includes the vent-slit pattern 100 shown in FIG. 1 repeated in variousportions of the shirt 800. In one exemplary aspect, the vent-slitpattern 100 extends along the sides of the shirt, around the shoulderseams, and across the back of the shirt 800. These areas of the shirt800 are generally exposed to the most heat and moisture from a wearer,and thus positioning the slits 820 in these areas helps to ventilate theexcess heat and moisture that concentrates inside the article.Additionally, these areas are typically subject to stretch forces due tothe wearer, for example, reaching his/her arms forward and/or upward.Thus, by locating the slits 820 in these areas, the slits 820 can openin response to movement of the wearer, such as in response to the wearertwisting, extending, reaching, and/or running.

The shirt 800 generally includes a torso portion 802, a front side 804,a back side 806 (shown in FIG. 9), a left shoulder opening 808, and aright shoulder opening 810. A neck opening 812 and a torso opening 814are shown at opposite ends of the torso portion 802. An optional leftsleeve portion 816 may be coupled to the left shoulder opening 808 andan optional right sleeve portion 818 may be coupled to the rightshoulder opening 810. Although shown as a shirt, it is contemplatedherein that the article of apparel may comprise other articles ofapparel for an upper torso of a wearer such as a jacket, a tank top, acamisole, a unitard, a singlet, a bra, and the like.

The shirt 800 includes a plurality of slits 820 that are aligned, ororiented, in the same direction so that the slits 820 open in the samedirection when the shirt 800 is stretched perpendicular to the long-axisof the slits 820. In FIGS. 8-11, the long axis of the slits 820 is shownin a vertical orientation. This is just one exemplary orientation andthis orientation may vary depending on the expected direction of stretchof the shirt 800 and the desired direction of opening of slitsincorporated into the shirt 820. In alternate aspects, slitsincorporated into the shirt may be grouped into different sections withthe slits in each grouping aligned in the same direction, and/or may beangled relative to the vertical axis of the shirt, to providedirectional force based venting.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a rear view of the shirt 800 incorporating thevent-slit pattern 100 of FIG. 1, with the slits in a closedconfiguration, is shown, in accordance with an aspect herein. In FIG. 9,a spacing 826 between adjacent slits 822 in linear alignment is lessthan a length of a slit 824 in parallel and non-linear alignment withthe adjacent slits 822, and overlying the spacing 826 between theadjacent slits 822. The spacing 826 between slits 820 is shorter thanthe length of the slits 820. The slits 820 are shown arranged intocolumns 834. As described herein, the slits 820 in adjacent columns 834are staggered, so that slits 820 are aligned across from the spacings826. In this arrangement, there is no linear path perpendicular to theslits 820 passing through more than one spacing 826. This permits astretch force applied perpendicular to the slits 820 to be distributedin multiple directions across multiple slits 820. In other words,because of the pattern of the slits 820, the stretch force does notbypass any of the slits 108. This results in a uniform and consistentopening of the slits 820. It should be noted that the size, arrangement,and alignment of the slits 820 shown in FIGS. 8-12 is provided as anon-limiting example. Multiple configurations, arrangements, and sizesof the slits 820 on the shirt 800 are possible and contemplated.Different groupings of the slits may be formed on the shirt, with theslits in each grouping aligned perpendicular to an expected direction ofstretch.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a front view of the shirt 800 incorporatingthe pattern 100 of FIG. 1, with the slits in an open configuration, isshown, in accordance with an aspect herein. In FIG. 10, the slits 820are aligned, opening in the same direction. A stretch force 832 is shownbeing applied to the shirt 800 in a direction perpendicular to thelong-axis of the slits 820. The stretch force 832 is shown pulling theslits 820 into an open configuration 830. This type of stretch force maybe initiated when, for example, a wearer of the shirt 800 moves in sucha way that the back of the shirt 800 is stretched, such as by reachingforward to grab the handles of a bicycle, by propelling the arms forwardwhen running, or by swinging a bat. When the slits 820 change into theopen configuration 830, dynamic ventilation is provided. Because thevertical position of the slits 820 is staggered between columns 834, asdescribed herein, the force 832 does not simply pass through the columnsvia the spacings 826. Instead, the force 832 travels in a circumventingor zig-zagging path through the columns 834 and around the slits 820,distributing the force 832 across the slits 820, opening the slitsuniformly.

Referring to FIG. 11, a rear view of the shirt 800 incorporating thepattern 100 of FIG. 1, with the slits in an open configuration, isshown, in accordance with an aspect herein. As shown in FIG. 10, theslits 820 are in parallel alignment, arranged such that they open in thesame direction. The stretch force 832 applied to the shirt 800 opens theslits 820 perpendicular to the long-axis of the slits 820, moving theslits 820 into the open configuration 830 until the stretch force is nolonger applied, at which time, the slits revert to their closedconfiguration. The slits 820 shown in FIGS. 8-11 are depicted beingrelatively large in size for demonstration and clarity purposes.

In implementations, the slits 820 incorporated into the shirt 800 and/oranother article of apparel may be smaller and/or more narrowly spaced,to provide a larger cross-section of dynamic vent-slits. Moreover, theslits 820 in FIG. 11 are shown connected across the backside 806 of theshirt 800 to provide a dynamic ventilation element that extends fromabout the left shoulder opening 808 to about the right shoulder opening810. However, in exemplary implementations, the slits 820 may beseparated into different groupings and/or located on different areas ofthe shirt 800, and/or skewed from a vertical or horizontal axis indifferent directions. The different groupings may also be oriented indifferent directions to provide dynamic opening of the slits 820 in eachgrouping in response to specific directions of stretch. Numerous optionsand/or arrangements are possible and contemplated, incorporating thestructures described herein, to provide a shirt and/or article withdynamic slits.

Referring now to FIG. 12, a front view of an article of apparel 1200incorporating the vent-slit pattern 100 of FIG. 1 in a repeatingfashion, with the slits in a closed configuration, is shown, inaccordance with an aspect herein. In FIG. 12, the article 1200 includesa pelvic portion 1202, a front side 1203, a back side 1234 (shown inFIG. 13), a right leg portion 1204, and a left leg portion 1206. Thearticle 1200 includes a waist opening 1208, as well as a right legopening 1210 and a left leg opening 1212. The article 1200 alsogenerally includes a right side 1214, a left side 1216, a right leginner portion 1218, a left leg inner portion 1220, and a groin area 1222at which the right inner leg portion 1218 and the left inner leg portion1220 intersect. Although shown as a short, it is contemplated that thearticle may comprise a pant, a half-pant, a capri, a unitard, a singlet,and the like.

The article 1200 further includes a plurality of slits 1240 arranged ina repeating fashion, the slits 1240 forming a plurality of parallelcolumns 1242 oriented along the long axis of the slits 1240. In oneexemplary aspect, the columns 1242 are positioned proximate the groinarea 1222 where first and second inner leg portions 1218, 1220 jointogether, and extend upward from the groin area 1222 at an approximately45-degree angle from the vertical axis of the article 1200. The columns1242 include a first front grouping 1224 extending upward toward theright side 1214 of the article 1200 and a second front grouping 1226extending upward toward the left side 1216 of the article 1200. In thisaspect, the long axis of the slits 1240 is in a vertical orientation,parallel with the vertical axis of the article 1200. By orienting theslits 1240 in this fashion, the slits 1240 may open in response to astretch force oriented perpendicular to the long-axis of the slits 1240.The long axis of the slits 1240 may be oriented in any number ofdirections across one or multiple groupings of slits 1240, to providedynamic ventilation for different areas of the article in response todifferent directions of stretch. This is just one exemplary arrangementof slits, and it is contemplated herein that the slits 1240 may bearranged in different groupings over different portions of the article1200. It should be noted that the leg portions 1204, 1206 may extendpart or all the way to respective left and right ankles of the wearer,forming shorts, pants, capris, and the like. In such an arrangement, theslits 1240 may be positioned throughout the leg portions, to provideadditional dynamic ventilation for the legs of a wearer.

In FIG. 12, the columns 1242 are arranged such that a stretch forceapplied to the article 1200 perpendicular to the long-axis of the slits1240 passing through a spacing 1228 between slits 1230 in linearalignment cannot pass through subsequent spacings 1228 without changingdirection, circumventing and zig-zagging around an adjacent slit 1232 innon-linear alignment parallel to the slits 1230 in linear alignment. Asa result, the slits 1240 open uniformly. This stretch force can occur inresponse to movement by a wearer of the article. For example, themovement of the wearers legs in an anterior-to-posterior direction as inrunning or in a side-to side-direction can provide a stretch forceperpendicular to the slits 1240, opening the slits 1240 and providingventilation to the groin or waist area of the wearer. As discussed,different groupings of the slit pattern may be oriented in differentdirections and on different areas of the article 1200, so that the slits1240 open in response to different directions of movement, and/ordifferent directions of stretch. Moreover, the skewing of theorientation of the slits 1240 or changing the density of the slits 1240in a particular area allows varied ventilation characteristics acrossthe article 1200 as well.

Additional groupings of slits may be located on the article 1200 toprovide dynamic ventilation on or across different portions of the lowerbody article 1200. The angles of the slits in the lower body article maybe determined by the stretching or movement forces expected to beapplied to the article. This is specific to different parts of the bodyhaving different degrees of movement and different ranges of motion. Inone exemplary lower body article aspect, a short, pant, or lower bodyarticle may include slits proximate a pelvic portion of the article thatare aligned at approximately a 9 degree angle from a horizontal orvertical axis of the article. However, any suitable angle may be used(e.g., in the inclusive range of 0-360 degrees). Additionally, in oneaspect of the lower body article, the slits may be positioned on a kneearea of the article and aligned to open in response to the direction ofmovement of the wearers arm or knee.

The columns 1242 in FIG. 12 are shown with varying numbers of slits1240, each of the slits 1240 aligned in the same direction, such thatthey open in the same direction. In this example, the slits 1240 are allequal in length, and the columns 1242 are spaced equally. As describedherein, the spacing 1228 between two slits 1230 in linear alignment isless than the length of a slit 1232 positioned parallel to and acrossfrom the spacing 1228 and in non-linear alignment with the slits 1230.In this regard, all of the slits 1240 are approximately twice the lengthof any spacing 1228 between adjacent slits 1230. The spacing 1244between columns 1242 may be less than the length of the slits 1240, andis ideally half the length of each of the slits 1240. In this regard,the slits 1240 are organized such that a force applied perpendicular tothe orientation of the slits 1240 must follow a non-linear path throughthe columns 1242. As shown in FIG. 12, the vertical position of theslits 1240 in adjacent columns 1242 is staggered, or offset, so that inat least some of the columns, a spacing 1228 is across from a slit 1232in non-linear alignment with the spacing 1228.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a rear view of the lower body article 1200depicted in FIG. 12, with the slits in a closed configuration, is shown,in accordance with an aspect herein. The back side 1234 of the article1200 includes the columns 1242 forming a first rear grouping 1236 and asecond rear grouping 1238, which generally correspond to the first frontgrouping 1224 and the second front grouping 1226. In this regard, thecolumns 1242 are continuous between the front side 1203 and the backside1234 of the article 1200 along an inner margin of the article 1200, andextend upward at approximately a 45-degree angle from the longitudinalaxis of the article 1200, similar to the arrangement on the front 1203of the article 1200. The slits 1240 are configured to provideventilation to a pelvic/groin region of a wearer of the article 1200.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a front view of the lower body article 1200depicted in FIG. 12, with the slits in a substantially openconfiguration, is shown, in accordance with an aspect herein. In FIG.14, the article 1200 is stretched by a stretch force 1246 orientedperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the article 1200, and alsoperpendicular to the long-axis of the slits 1240 forming parallelcolumns 1242 on the article 1200. As shown in FIG. 14, the stretch force1246 opens the slits 1240 to provide dynamic ventilation for the wearerof the article 1200. The slits 1240 may extend from the groin portionall throughout the article 1200. As a further example, the slits 1240forming the columns 1242 may extend upward all the way to the sides1214, 1216 and/or all the way to the waist opening 1208 of the article1200. Any and all such aspects, and any variation thereof, arecontemplated as being within the scope herein.

Referring now to FIG. 15, a rear view of the lower body article 1200depicted in FIG. 12, with the slits in a substantially openconfiguration, is shown, in accordance with an aspect herein. Similar toFIG. 11, the stretch force 1246 is shown pulling the article 1200perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the article, opening the slits1240. Once again, because of the staggered, vertical arrangement of theslits 1240 between the columns 1242, the shorter length of the spacings1228 versus the slits 1240, and the closeness of the columns 1242, theforce 1246 is transferred through the columns 1242 in a zig-zaggingfashion, circumventing the slits 1240. This circumventing, non-linearpath allows uniform distribution of the force 1246 across the slits1240, allowing the slits 1240 to open consistently, as shown in FIGS. 14and 15.

As with the shirt 800, the article 1200 is shown with slits 1240 in oneconfiguration. Multiple configurations, arrangements, groupings, and/ornumbers of slits may be used, as with the shirt 800. In this example,the slits 1240 are shown relatively large in size, with relatively largespacings 1228, and the columns 1242 located in one general area, withall the columns 1242 aligned in one direction. In implementations, slitsused on the shirt 800 and/or the lower body article 1200 may be shorter,longer, more tightly packed together, and/or arranged into more or fewercolumns, or have different orientations among different groupings, amongother arrangements.

Referring now to FIG. 16, a flow diagram of an exemplary method 1600 ofmanufacturing a vented article of apparel such as the shirt 800 or thelower body article of apparel 1200 is shown, in accordance with anaspect herein. At a first block 1602, a fabric, such as the fabric 102shown in FIG. 2, is provided, the fabric having a first surface and anopposite second surface, such as the first surface 104 and the secondsurface 106 shown in FIG. 2. At a second block 1604, a plurality ofslits, such as the plurality of slits 108 shown in FIG. 2, are formed ina repeating fashion, such as in the repeating pattern 100 shown in FIG.1, on the fabric. In the repeating pattern, a spacing, such as thespacing 131 shown in FIG. 1, between two adjacent slits in linearalignment, such as slits 136 shown in FIG. 1, is less than a length of aslit in non-linear alignment with the two slits, such as slit 138 inFIG. 1, and that is offset from the two slits such that the slit innon-linear alignment overlies the spacing between the slits in linearalignment, and the slit in non-linear alignment is parallel to the slitsin linear alignment. At a third block 1606, the fabric is formed into atleast part of the article of apparel.

The slits may be integrated or formed into a predetermined orpreconfigured portion of the fabric, such as around or across seams ofthe article, on the front, back, or sides of the article, or be groupedinto circular, square, rectangular, or trapezoidal sections in one ormore locations on the article. Each grouping may vary in cross-sectionalarea along the vertical axis or the horizontal axis of the article, orboth. The longitudinal axis of the slits may be oriented along ahorizontal axis, a vertical axis, or be skewed from the horizontal orvertical axis across the article. Additionally, each grouping of slitsmay have the slits oriented in one or multiple directions within thegrouping, and may include a gradual change in the angle, or orientation,of the slits as the slit structure extends across the article, toprovide ventilation in response to varying directions of stretch. Forexample, a grouping of slits may be oriented proximate seams joiningsections of fabric forming the article, with the slits oriented suchthat they open in response to the sections moving apart, such as, forexample, between a torso portion and an arm portion of a shirt, so thatthe underarm area of the shirt stretches and ventilates when a wearerraises an arm over her head. Moreover, the raised surface created oneach side of the fabric when the vent-slits are open helps to channelair into and out of the article, enhancing ventilation.

Referring now to FIG. 17, a flow chart of an exemplary method 1700 ofmanufacturing a vented article of apparel is shown, in accordance withan aspect herein. At a block 1702, a fabric, such as the fabric 102shown in FIG. 2, having a first surface and a second surface, such asthe first surface 104 and the second surface 106 shown in FIG. 2, isprovided. At a block 1704, a plurality of slits oriented substantiallyparallel to each other, such as the slits 108 shown in FIG. 2, are cutthrough the first surface and the second surface of the fabric, whereinat least two of the plurality of slits are in linear alignment, such asslits 136 in FIG. 1, and wherein a spacing between the at least twoslits is less than a length of a slit positioned adjacent to the atleast two slits and in non-linear alignment with respect to the at leasttwo slits. At a block 1706, the fabric is formed into at least part ofan article of apparel, with the slits positioned in two or more distinctgroupings on the article of apparel, the slits within each groupingaligned in the same direction.

The slits may be cut manually, mechanically (e.g., knife machine), or bylaser (e.g., laser cutting machine), ultrasonic (e.g., ultrasoniccutting machine), water jet cutting, die cutting, and the like. Theplurality of slits may be arranged such that there are at least twoslits in linear alignment, such as the slits 136 in FIG. 2, wherein aspacing, such as the spacing 131 in FIG. 2, between the slits in linearalignment is less than a length of a slit positioned adjacent to the atleast two slits, such as the adjacent slit 138 shown in FIG. 2, and innon-linear alignment with respect to the at least two slits.

Referring to FIG. 18, an exemplary method 1800 of manufacturing amodified article of apparel is shown, in accordance with an aspectherein. At a block 1802, a fabric, such as the fabric 102 shown in FIG.2, having a first surface and a second surface, such as the firstsurface 104 and the second surface 106 shown in FIG. 2, is provided. Ata block 1804, a plurality of slits, such as the slits 108 shown in FIG.2, are integrated into the fabric through the first surface and thesecond surface, the plurality of slits forming columns, such as thecolumns 124 shown in FIG. 2, in parallel configuration, with a spacing,such as spacing 131 in FIG. 2, between two slits in linear alignment ina first column, such as slits 136 in FIG. 2, less than a length of aslit, such as slit 138 in FIG. 2, in an adjacent second column, with thespacing in the first columns aligned at least partially with the slitpositioned in the second column. At a block 1806, the fabric is formedinto at least part of the article of apparel, wherein when the fabric isstretched perpendicular to the orientation of the slits, the slits opento provide a direct path through the first and the second surfaces ofthe fabric to a body of the wearer.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one welladapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forthtogether with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherentto the structure. It will be understood that certain features andsubcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference toother features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and iswithin the scope of the claims. Since many possible aspects may be madeof the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to beunderstood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanyingdrawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and non-limiting.

1. A lower body article of apparel comprising: a pelvic portion forcovering a pelvic area of a wearer when the article is in an as-wornposition, the pelvic portion having a waist opening; left and right legportions extending outward from the pelvic portion opposite the waistopening, the left and right leg portions having respective left andright leg openings, the left and right leg portions covering at least aportion of respective left and right legs of the wearer; and a pluralityof slits in a repeating fashion, wherein a spacing between two adjacentslits in linear alignment is less than a length of a slit in non-linearalignment with the two slits and that is offset from the two slits suchthat the slit in non-linear alignment overlies the spacing between theslits in linear alignment, and the slit in non-linear alignment isparallel to the slits in linear alignment.
 2. The article of claim 1,wherein the plurality of slits in a repeating fashion form at least twocolumns in parallel configuration, each of the columns having at leasttwo slits in linear alignment.
 3. The article of claim 2, wherein aspacing between slits in linear alignment in any of the columns isshorter than a length of a slit in an adjacent column that overlies thespacing.
 4. The article of claim 3, wherein the slits in each of thecolumns are the same length and separated by a first spacing.
 5. Thearticle of claim 4, wherein a length of the first spacing is shorterthan the length of the slits.
 6. The article of claim 5, wherein thecolumns are separated by a second spacing that is shorter than thelength of the slits.
 7. The article of claim 2, wherein a slit in eachcolumn is aligned perpendicular from a portion of a long axis of a slitin an adjacent column.
 8. The article of claim 2, wherein a position ofslits along the long axis of adjacent columns is staggered.
 9. Thearticle of claim 2, wherein the article comprises at least one of: awoven fabric; and a knit fabric.
 10. The article of claim 2, wherein atleast a portion of the slits are skewed with respect to a vertical axisof the article.
 11. The article of claim 10, wherein the slits areskewed from the groin area of the article towards the right and leftsides of the article and form a direct path between a wearer's skin andan outside environment of the article.
 12. A vented lower body articleof apparel comprising: a pelvic portion for covering a pelvic area of awearer when the article is in an as-worn position, the pelvic portionhaving a waist opening; left and right leg portions extending outwardfrom the pelvic portion opposite the waist opening, the left and rightleg portions having respective left and right leg openings, the left andright leg portions covering at least a portion of respective left andright legs of the wearer; and a plurality of slits orientedsubstantially parallel to each other, wherein at least two of theplurality of slits are in linear alignment, wherein a spacing betweenthe at least two slits is less than a length of a slit positionedadjacent to the at least two slits and in non-linear alignment withrespect to the at least two slits, and wherein the slits are positionedin two or more distinct groupings on the article, the slits within eachgrouping aligned in the same direction.
 13. The article of claim 12,wherein the slits are positioned on a groin area of the article.
 14. Thearticle of claim 12, wherein a first grouping is formed along a leftside of the article and a second grouping is formed along a right sideof the article.
 15. The article of claim 12, wherein a first grouping isformed on the left leg portion of the article and a second grouping isformed on the right leg portion of the article.
 16. The article of claim12, wherein the slits extend from a groin area of the article upward atapproximately a 45-degree angle from the vertical axis of the articleacross a front and a back side of the article.
 17. A modified lower bodyarticle of apparel comprising: a pelvic portion for covering a pelvicarea of a wearer when the article is in an as-worn position, the pelvicportion having a waist opening; left and right leg portions extendingoutward from the pelvic portion opposite the waist opening, the left andright leg portions having respective left and right leg openings, theleft and right leg portions covering at least a portion of respectiveleft and right legs of the wearer; and a plurality of slits forming aplurality of columns in parallel configuration, wherein a spacingbetween two slits in linear alignment in a first column is less than alength of a slit positioned in an adjacent second column, wherein thespacing in the first column is aligned at least partially with the slitpositioned in the adjacent second column, and wherein when the articleis stretched perpendicular to the orientation of the slits, the slitsopen to provide a direct path through the article to a body of thewearer.
 18. The article of claim 17, wherein at least a portion of theslits are positioned proximate to one or more seams of the article. 19.The article of claim 17, wherein the columns extend from an inside ofthe left leg portion to an inside of the right leg portion across agroin area of the article.
 20. The article of claim 17, wherein thearticle is made from at least one of: a woven fabric; and a knit fabric.